29 BBQ Recipes That Made National BBQ Day Unforgettable

National BBQ Day only comes once a year, so it deserves recipes that make the day stick in everyone’s memory. These 29 BBQ dishes brought the kind of flavor, smoke, and char that turned cookouts into full-blown events. Whether it was meat on the grill or bold sides straight from the fire, each recipe earned its place. This list is all about the food that made National BBQ Day unforgettable from the first flame to the final bite.

Grilled Greek lemon chicken kabobs with herbs and lemon slices. — Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

An up-close shot of bacon-avocado ground beef burger on a flat white surface. — 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This burger brings six stacked layers of bold, grilled flavor that belong at any BBQ worth remembering. The beef patty stays juicy while crispy bacon and creamy avocado keep things interesting. It’s quick to make and doesn’t need a ton of ingredients to feel like a weekend treat. This is the kind of burger that gets talked about long after the grill shuts down.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad proves salads can hit just as hard at a BBQ. The mustard-based grilled chicken brings tang and smoke that anchor this mix of fresh greens, bacon, and feta. It’s easy to prep ahead and still show up strong on the table. When a salad holds its own next to ribs, you know it belongs here.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes. — Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus glazed pork chops cook up fast and land big flavor with tangy, caramelized edges. The glaze helps them shine without overcomplicating dinner. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just a few, this dish feels right for the day. When pork tastes this bright, the grill really shows off.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled maple mustard chicken hits that balance of sweet and savory that makes BBQ chicken hard to beat. The marinade sticks and caramelizes over high heat, locking in flavor and moisture. It’s a quick prep, fast-cooking dish that plays well with any side. This one earns a spot on your go-to grill list.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans. — Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This surf and turf combo pairs smoky grilled pork chops with shrimp for a BBQ mashup that feels like a special occasion. The hollandaise adds a punch without getting messy, and it all comes together quickly. It’s practical enough for weeknight grilling but bold enough to remember. This dish is a main-course moment on any BBQ table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Grilled rockfish tacos pack smoky seafood, bright slaw, and mango salsa into a dish made for backyard BBQs. The fish holds together well and doesn’t dry out, even with high heat. Each taco feels like something you’d get near the coast, no matter where you are. When tacos show up like this, the mains have competition.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains. — Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This grilled shrimp grain bowl brings fresh flavors and texture, thanks to citrus vinaigrette and charred shrimp. It’s fast, balanced, and a great way to add variety to a BBQ spread. The shrimp pick up just enough grill flavor to stand out. It’s proof that bowls can belong at the grill too.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

Grilled steak paired with charred peaches and onions brings bold summer flavor without fuss. The heat softens the fruit while locking in the steak’s juices, making every bite count. It plates like something fancy but takes less time than you’d expect. This is the kind of BBQ dish that turns heads and empties plates.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

This filet mignon sears beautifully and serves as the perfect canvas for a fruity, herbed sauce. The peaches and mango add contrast while the grilled onions finish the dish with bite. It’s easy to prep ahead and still feels special once served. This is what grilling looks like when you want the meal to do all the bragging.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Tri-tip hits the grill with a crust that seals in flavor fast, while the salsa brings fresh heat and brightness. It cooks quickly and pairs well with just about any side. The fruit salsa cools the heat from the meat, balancing every forkful. It’s BBQ flavor that shows up big and sticks around.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Plate of basil pesto chicken with grilled tomatoes and avocado slices. — Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled chicken gets a boost from fresh pesto and charred cherry tomatoes that scream summer. The basil adds brightness while the avocado cools it all down. It’s fast, colorful, and perfect for warm-weather grilling. This is the dish that turns a regular BBQ into something worth texting about.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs

Kebabs on a plate with a lemon wedge. — Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian kofta kebabs bring spice and texture with a solid sear that proves meatless grilling holds its own. The plant-based base stays firm on the grill and carries bold flavors all the way through. They cook fast and come off the heat ready to impress. Even meat-lovers find something to reach for here.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs

Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon

Overhead view of fire-grilled salmon in white plate. — Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This fire-grilled salmon keeps it simple with open-flame cooking and basic seasoning. The high heat crisps the skin while keeping the middle flaky and rich. It’s a great way to let the grill do the work and still get something impressive. This one feels like a backyard dinner upscaled, without the drama.
Get the Recipe: Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon

Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeño Crema

Side view of salmon skewers with more in background. — Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeño Crema. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These skewers layer sweet and heat with grilled salmon and fresh peaches, finished with a jalapeño crema that ties it all together. They’re colorful, fast, and work great for BBQ days when you want something a little unexpected. Each bite brings fruit, fire, and creamy contrast. This is BBQ seafood that people remember.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeño Crema

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges. — Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled chicken kofta kebabs combine herbs, garlic, and ground chicken into skewers that grill fast and taste bold. The high heat gives them a crisp edge while keeping the center juicy. They work well with simple sides and don’t need extra sauce to be memorable. These are the kind of skewers that make grilling feel like a win every time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Sliced Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri on a white plate. — Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Hanger steaks sear quickly over hot flames and soak up all the flavor from a sharp chimichurri. The herb mix finishes the steak with brightness and bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and big enough to feel like an event. One steak off the grill and you’ll know why this cut gets all the praise.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

These chicken skewers bring heat and sweetness in every bite thanks to a sticky harissa-honey glaze. They’re easy to prep, fast to grill, and come off the fire with perfect caramelization. They land with a little crunch and a lot of flavor. It’s the kind of BBQ recipe that makes everyone hover near the grill.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled pork chops pair with a punchy pineapple salsa that cuts through the meat’s richness. The salsa takes minutes to prep while the chops grill quickly over high heat. It’s a solid way to keep BBQ fresh without overcomplicating the menu. When fruit hits the grill like this, everything else moves to the side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter. — Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Flank steak cooks hot and fast, locking in juices while the chile butter melts over every slice. The bold finish adds flavor without needing much else on the plate. It’s a smart option for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. This steak hits hard and disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges. — Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp skewers make the most of high heat and quick cooking, landing on plates with charred edges and juicy centers. They’re low-effort but never boring, and perfect for BBQs when time is tight. These work as a main or a shareable side. When shrimp hit the grill like this, they don’t stick around long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Four bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a white rectangular plate garnished with sprigs of parsley. — Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These chicken breasts stay juicy on the inside and get crispy on the outside thanks to a solid bacon wrap. The grill gives the bacon a firm sear while locking moisture into the meat. They cook evenly and slice well, making them great for both sandwiches or a stand-alone dish. This recipe proves bacon belongs at every BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled chicken breasts stuffed with ham, pineapple and Jarlsberg cheese garnished with green onion. — Grilled Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This grilled chicken hits all the right notes with teriyaki glaze, pineapple slices, and melty cheese. The grill adds char that balances the sweetness while locking in juicy texture. It’s easy to scale up and crowd-pleasing from the first bite. BBQ feels more like a beach party when this hits the plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate. — Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled corn adds texture and smoke to classic guacamole, turning it into a standout BBQ side. It’s fast, fresh, and a clever way to use leftover corn cobs. This dip shows up strong whether you’re serving chips or spooning it on burgers. It’s the dish that gets scraped clean before the mains even land.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango. — Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These wings balance sticky mango glaze with smoky chipotle heat and pick up crispness straight from the grill. They’re easy to flip and finish quickly over direct heat. This is the kind of recipe that turns BBQ day into a hands-on event. Just be ready to double the batch—these go fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

This underrated cut takes to the grill fast and comes off tender with just the right char. It’s easy to season and doesn’t need long to shine. Perfect for a casual BBQ where you want bold results without a big prep. Finger meat means hands-on eating—and that’s exactly what makes it memorable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Ninja Woodfire Grill T-Bone Steaks

A grilled t-bone steak on a black platter. — Ninja Woodfire Grill T-Bone Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These T-bone steaks hit the grill with serious heat, locking in juices while building a crust that needs no sauce. The smoke enhances the beef without masking it. They cook fast and feel like something you’d get at a steakhouse. If there’s a showstopper at the BBQ, it’s probably this.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill T-Bone Steaks

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges. — Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These shrimp get a quick marinade of lemon and herbs before grilling to juicy, charred perfection. They cook in minutes but taste like you planned ahead. The flavor’s light but still bold enough to hold attention. This is the kind of dish that gets passed around before anyone grabs a plate.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate. — Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These steaks sear beautifully and get drenched in cowboy butter loaded with herbs and garlic. The butter melts over the meat right off the grill, soaking into every bite. It’s easy to prep and hard to stop eating once you start. This one turns your grill into the best seat in the house.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Greek lemon chicken kabobs keep things light and full of flavor with a fast marinade and quick grill time. They’re portable, perfect for crowds, and hold up on skewers like pros. Each bite delivers citrus and herbs without drowning in sauce. This is how you bring something different to the grill without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs